'My younger me would've been stunned by doctorate'

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys was awarded an honorary doctorate of philosophy

A sportswoman said she is “immensely proud” after receiving an honorary doctorate for activism around racism and mental health.

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, 46, an ultra-runner, received the award in philosophy from the University of Gloucestershire in November.

She said her "younger years were traumatic" and she "experienced racial abuse" so co-founded Black Trail Runners to increase inclusion and participation of black people.

"I think that small, shy girl would have been stunned by my graduation," she said.

Growing up in a poor, working-class background in a white rural community in Stroud, Ms Pace-Humphreys said she suffered years of racial abuse.

This was followed by teen pregnancy, addiction and suffering extreme post-natal depression after the birth of her fourth child while running a PR company.

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys said a GP “saved her” by suggesting she took up running

She said a GP "saved her" by suggesting she took up running and it helped gradually shift her feelings of failure.

"Younger me would be so proud that we survived and made it through - and thrived," she said.

"Things were - and still are - tough but I’m a real believer we have power to change."

Black Trail Runners helps increase inclusion, participation and representation in trail running

"When I’m being trolled around the work I’m doing in ethnic diversity and feel doors are closed to me, or when I want to revert to the shy girl from my childhood, I think of what I would say to my grandchildren and how I can leave some form of legacy for them," she added.

"You can do things... just think, 'what am I going to do today to potentially change someone’s life?'.

"This award gives me a sense of immense pride that I’m able to use all my life experience for the greater good. And as a 46-year-old woman, I’m living life beyond my wildest dreams."